Top 10 Longest Road Tunnels in the World

The World’s 10 Longest Road Tunnels

Tunnels are essential structures that allow for the movement of traffic through some of the most challenging and extreme terrains on Earth. These underground passages not only reduce travel time but also provide safer and more efficient routes. While many tunnels offer a brief subterranean journey, others stretch for miles, showcasing remarkable engineering feats and advanced technology.

Here are the world’s 10 longest road tunnels, each with unique characteristics and construction methods.

Ryfylke Tunnel, Norway – 8.98 miles (14.46km)

The Ryfylke Tunnel is currently the longest undersea road tunnel in the world. It connects Stavanger and Ryfylke, spanning 8.98 miles. Designed to reduce reliance on ferries, it is part of the larger Rogfast project aimed at connecting several islands via undersea tunnels. Opened in 2019, the tunnel took seven years to build and cost 6.4 billion Norwegian Kroner. It features two separate tubes, each with two lanes, and can accommodate up to 10,000 vehicles per day. At its deepest point, the tunnel descends 285 meters below sea level.

Zigana Tunnel, Turkey – 8.99 miles (14.48km)

Located near the northern coast of Turkey, the Zigana Tunnel bypasses the snowbound Zigana Pass. Completed in 2023 after starting in 2016, it is Turkey’s longest road tunnel. It uses the New Austrian Tunnelling Method, which adapts to rock conditions during excavation. The tunnel includes 16 laybys in each tube, six ventilation shafts, and 40 connecting tunnels between the two tubes. It also houses nine transformer rooms for power supply.

Muzhailing Tunnel, China – 9.46 miles (15.22km)

Built in Gansu Province, the Muzhailing Tunnel faces challenges such as high altitude and seismic activity. To withstand these conditions, it uses NPR anchor cabling to secure the structure into surrounding rock. The tunnel consists of two separate tubes for opposite traffic flows. Construction began in 2016 and was completed in 2024, with additional challenges due to the thin air at high altitudes.

Tiantaishan Tunnel, China – 9.67 miles (15.56km)

Costing 2.75 billion Chinese Yuan, the Tiantaishan Tunnel is notable for its rapid construction. Built in Shaanxi Province, it was completed in 2021 after starting in 2016. A smart lighting system was developed to provide natural light and reduce driver fatigue. The tunnel has three-lane tubes and was constructed by 2000 workers who lived underground during the project.

Gotthard Road Tunnel, Switzerland – 10.46 miles (16.84km)

Previously the longest road tunnel in the world, the Gotthard Tunnel has been surpassed by newer projects. Opened in 1980, it carries traffic to a maximum height of 1175 meters. It takes around 13 minutes to traverse and has a toll charge. Unlike most modern tunnels, it uses a single tube for both directions of traffic. In 2016, a referendum approved a second tunnel to increase capacity.

Jinpingshan Tunnel, China – 10.90 miles (17.54km)

The Jinpingshan Tunnel provides access to the Jinping Dam, one of the highest dams in the world. It is restricted to specific traffic due to its location and security concerns. The tunnel reaches a depth of 2375 meters and was built using a blind heading technique. It took five years to complete and cost 1.3 billion Chinese Yuan.

Zhongnanshan Tunnel, China – 11.21 miles (18.04km)

Located near the Tiantaishan Tunnel, the Zhongnanshan Tunnel is deeper, reaching a maximum depth of 1640 meters. It took five years to construct and cost 3.2 billion Chinese Yuan. The tunnel has three ventilation shafts and features colored lights and artificial plants to prevent driver fatigue.

Yamate Tunnel, Japan – 11.3 miles (18.20km)

The Yamate Tunnel in Tokyo is the longest urban tunnel in the world. It runs 11.3 miles beneath the city, passing as deep as 30 meters below the surface. It took 15 years to complete due to environmental concerns and resident objections. Each of its 11-meter diameter tubes has emergency telephones and a filtration system to manage emissions.

WestConnex, Australia – 13.67 miles (22.0km)

Part of a major infrastructure project in Sydney, the WestConnex Tunnel is the largest road infrastructure project in Australia. It spans 13.67 miles and is part of a 20.5-mile motorway network. The land above the tunnel has been converted into parks and open spaces. The project is expected to cost A$45 billion, with significant savings from reduced travel times.

Lærdal Tunnel, Norway – 15.23 miles (24.51km)

The Lærdal Tunnel is the longest road tunnel in the world, stretching 15.23 miles. It connects Lærdal and Aurland and costs 1.1 billion Norwegian Kroner to build. It is unique for its lack of lining and earthquake resistance, thanks to the stable rock conditions. The tunnel is divided into four sections with caves featuring blue and yellow lighting to reduce driver fatigue. Police cameras monitor for speeding.